Peridot, August’s birthstone, has an air of mystery. It has been found in all kinds of extreme places, including within volcanoes and meteorites. It is a variety of the olivine mineral family. Peridot was once thought to attract wealth and success. Ancient Egyptians called it “the gem of the sun” and believed that this bright, shiny stone could protect the wearer from nightmares.
The earth’s upper mantle hides peridot, a gem that is a variety of olovine mineral.
Peridot is also delivered to the earth via pallasite meteorites from the big bang of our solar system.
In 2005, peridot was found in comet dust brought back from the Stardust robotic space probe.
The most valuable peridot is a grass green color, but the usual color is yellowish-green.
Black spots might be seen using magnification, but peridot is usually free of any visible inclusions.
Cuts for peridot are done for jewelry settings in a wide variety of shapes, much like diamonds.
Small peridot gems are used in jewelry, but these gems have been found in sizes of over 50 carats.
